Rome church holds mass for peace in Ukraine

STORY: The mass at the Santa Sofia church, a religious and cultural center for Ukrainian expatriates, was hosted by the EU's ambassador to the Holy See and attended by European ambassadors to the Vatican and members of the Ukrainian community.

Ukraine's ambassador to the Holy See, Andriy Yurash, said the show of solidarity and support from Europe was extremely important for Ukrainians.

"It shows that Ukraine is already in the heart of Europe, Ukraine is a part of Europe, Ukrainians are a part of the European community," he said.

Ukraine marks Victory Day on May 9, but as it has turned westward to Europe since 2014, it has also instituted a Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation on May 8, the day France, Britain and the United States mark as "Victory in Europe Day".